The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-20
WHAT CAUSES THE ATTACK
Miss Abbott Speaks Her Opinion Of
Puritanical Onslaught.

There Is n charm Of peculiar sweetness
about the popular Emma Abbott separate
and distinct from nor professional character.
In private life she is one Of the most Guilt
waited, sweetly disposed. frank and sincere
ladies. There Is no trace Of aficctation or
self-importanoc about her. She loves her
art, strives 10 elevate IL and herself in Il,
and Is always glad Of an opportunity 20 en-
courage. and assist those struggling against
fate or fortune, whether they ue identified
with the stage or not. The seyerest critics,
wherever she Is known, unanimously con-
ccde this.
An ArrxAL reporter called al room %,
Peabody hotel. where the little artistic and
her husband, Mr.. Wethcreli, are quartered.
yesterday and was received with n cordislity
really refreshing. After u pleasant chat
about matters In general relating TO her
about tho attack OF the Rev. Mr.. Erwin,
pastor Of the Central Methodist church.
Union street, Sunday night.
II don't understand this onslaught, unless
II Il the continuation Of the Nashville cpl
sode." she replied, with emotion. ''rheat-
rcal troops have come and gone. yet | have
heard Of no reference 10 them by the minis
ters. IL you remember, DIR. Gambler, Of
Nashville. attacked private character Of stage
ItuIlt NlNnput ulsClliulliAlNus anu fticffcu
10 me. At tho close Of his discourse, ! re-
spcctfully demurrcd, and my remarks did
not disturb public worship. lie stated that
u he had risen In the theater % pro-
test against performances, a policeman
would have been summoned 20 eject him.
TIT case Is not n parallel. In our perform.
anccs we do not 20 outside the score 90 de
nounce ministers and religious people. Far
from II. am a member Of the Congrcga.
tional church, try earnestly 20 be . con
sistcnt christian and c0-Opc rate with them.
Wherever l go and have an opportunity |
attend divine services aud sincerely partici
pate. All people ART not ~ straight-laced n
! Mcssrs. Gambler and Erwin. A majority
of them believe, Just n I do, that music and
| rcligion-cverything that cnnohlcs and Gle
vutrs mankina-should 60 hand In hand
Where can you lind characters purcr and
brighter than Jenny Lind, Iarcppa Rosa
Mary Anderson, and u host u other, whC
picture tho legitimate stage ~ Its tru'
/ ColorG Several Of the leading diyinci
of the world, such NJ Bcccher, TAI
mage, Spurscon aud Irving, are my persona
friends. Pope Plus N, When ] was studying
In Italy. blessed my voice, and hoped that
could M ~ we'll a. ! sang. Thus you SCI
that all broad minds believe In ever,
%ennobling influence. They have, an,
tolerate In Others, discretion TO choos'
between the good aud the bad.
have no harsh w0rls Of ccnsnr
for Mr.. Erwin and those Who share his opin
ions as ventilated. They are n fast disap
pcarlng relic Of puriuniln, who do no
practice what they preach, especially III,
tlmdc against Socalled inyolitics. II the,
did, no city church In which to worship, NJ
handsome furniture and ornaments TO max
homo attractive; no silks, satins nn,
broadcloths for raiment, would he theirs. II
eremplify his preaching, Mr. Erwin shoul'
wear a homcspun suit ~ clothes, lolort
nothing hut abjcct simplicity in all his SUI
rounding. and ablurc everybody nni every
thing FINDING Ia attractiNcncss."
The lady concluded the interview with NJ
interesting reference 10 the uiuc new opera
"a be- presented here during the present en-
gugcmcnt These nv "Ruy Blas. "Mcrchnn
ofvenioc" aud THE Good Devil Nils Al
hott is decidedly popular In Memphis. an
will draw Tine audiences a. every perform
| auCc.